For the smallmouth bass angler, the summertime represents one of the most exciting times of the year, when fish, big and small, will readily eat a topwater bug, creating a very visual and memorable experience. That time is upon us, now, and, until October, we'll be taking full advantage.
We got an early jump on topwater fishing this year, with some solid action in May and early June. Since then, I've been on the water almost every day, and it has only gotten more consistent with dropping river levels; clearing, warming water; and terrestrial insects like damselflies, cicadas, and june bugs, becoming more active.
Naturally, the emergence and activity of terrestrial insects also makes trout fishing in the mountains great throughout the summer. Grasshoppers, ants, crickets, beetles--when they find their way into the cold waters of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, an army of wild trout are waiting to pounce on them. Thus, dry fly fishing can be very productive, and many big fish are taken on top every summer.
So, if you like the idea of floating down a beautiful mountain river or wading a cold mountain stream; casting topwater flies to structure; and visual, sometimes aggressive, takes, let's get in touch and start planning your adventure, today.
I'm looking forward to fishing with you!